Philly Beer Scene Magazine

My friends have recently gotten me to switch from cocktails to beer, how can I find which types of beer suit me best?
- Rachel W., Yardley, PA

Congratulations, you've taken the first step by picking up this magazine! At first taste, beer can put off many tasters simply because their palates are not used to the bitterness of hops used to flavor beer. My favorite tactic is to simply try and taste a bit of every beer you come across. After sampling many, many beers the strong bitter beers that I could barely choke down after sampling just a few are now my favorites. Hey John, not too long ago I saw a tap that poured beer below freezing - why don't more beers have systems like this?

- Lance B., Philadelphia, PA
The system described is the Coors Light Super Cold Draft, this tap pours out beer as low as 28.5° (That's in degrees Fahrenheit of course.) Even for your typical light beer this is VERY cold. Most beer is intended to be drank between 40-60° depending on the style with paler lagers at the colder end and darker ales at the warmer end. Personally, I drink all my beer at “room temperature.” Not actually the temperature of any given room, room temperature as far as tasting goes is generally held to be about 60°. This allows all the taste and aroma of beer to be released and enjoyed!

I have a question for you, do you drink your bottled water with a glass of ice? John, I was in a nice beer bar the other day and my bartender insisted I pour my beer out of the bottle. Why can't I just drink from the bottle?
- Chad S., Deptford, NJ
Like I answered above, a beer's aroma should be enjoyed as well as the taste—pouring a beer out of the bottle allows for the release of a beer's aromas. Additionally, this releases carbonation from the beer which otherwise would contribute to a full feeling after drinking.

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